The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate soccer team fell narrowly, by a score of 1-0, in its first-round playoff match against the West Aurora College Prep Academy Spartans on Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Aurora.
Coach Trevor Gian mentioned it was “a real tight game,” noting the Pirates took a few minutes to settle into the game after traveling that morning.
The Spartans were able to score with just a few minutes remaining in the first half, after they were awarded a free kick from outside of the Pirates’ box, Gian explained. The ball played in from the free kick forced a save from Pirate goalkeeper Christopher Young-Martinez, but the Spartans were able to pounce on the rebound to tap the ball into the goal.
“It would've been nice to go 0-0 into half,” Gian said.
He explained that it was a “fairly even match for a while” and that the Pirates were starting to frustrate their opponents, but the late first-half goal gave the Spartans a momentum boost.
Gian described the Spartans as a technically and tactically sound team with a solid understanding of the game.
The Pirates took a more defensive approach through much of the match until the Spartans’ goalkeeper was issued a red card with about 30 minutes remaining in the second half, Gian explained.
Gavin Carter found his way behind the Spartans’ back line as he ran onto to a through ball played in from the Pirates’ midfield, Gian explained. The Spartans’ goalkeeper came out of his box, taking Carter down, who otherwise would’ve been in on goal by himself with an empty net.
Gian explained that, after the red card, the Pirates made some adjustments in order to create more offensive opportunities, but noted that the Spartans stayed tactically sound and still found ways to pressure the Pirates.
“We threw everything we had at ‘em. Unfortunately, we just didn’t get it,” Gian said.
Gian added that the Pirates’ adapted and found ways to compete throughout the game, and created chances to come up with a tie or potentially win.
He noted that the result of the match was not because of a lack of effort from the Pirates.
“Never happy with a loss, but I’m happy with the performance we put out there,” Gian said.
The Pirates end the season with an overall winning record of 9-3-3, including a league mark of 4-1-1, which saw them claim the Intermountain League title.
The record is an improvement in comparison to the 2023 season, in which the Pirates finished with an overall mark of 6-7-2.
“I couldn’t be more proud of who we are and what we’ve become this season, and it showed out there on that field,” Gian said of the Pirates. “It’s been a fantastic season.”
Check the Nov. 7 issue of The SUN for additional stats and information from the match, along with final season stats and information.
